Piatnitzkysaurus
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Theropoda · Infraorder: Tetanurae · Family: Allosauridae
Found in Argentina, Piatnitzkysaurus is the earliest known carnosaur. Related to Allosaurus, but smaller and more primitive, with longer arms, it lived 15 million years before its better-known relative.
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Reference background: Natural History Museum, London — Dinosaurs; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs; American Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs & Fossils. Figures are typical published ranges; taxonomy follows the source era and modern consensus is noted where it differs. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What does Piatnitzkysaurus mean?
The name Piatnitzkysaurus means “Piatnitzky's Lizard”. It is pronounced pee-aht-NIT-skee-SAWR-us.
When did Piatnitzkysaurus live?
Piatnitzkysaurus lived during the Late Jurassic.
Was Piatnitzkysaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Piatnitzkysaurus was a carnivore.
How big was Piatnitzkysaurus?
Piatnitzkysaurus was about 14 feet (4.3 meters) long, around 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall.
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Allosauridae family.
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